Video Transcript
Josh Bosin:
“My name is Josh Bosin. I’m the founder of Blizzard Performance.”
Javed Khan:
“My name is Javed Khan. I work with Blizzard Performance Investments, where we provide calculated sports picks for numerous sports.”
“Our main goal was to translate some type of investing into sports betting. A lot of the time, people have this misconception that sports betting is only gambling. But if it’s informed, I think it’s a completely different way to look at it.”
“We provide a unit breakdown. For example, if you put $10 on every pick for the last two months, then you’d end up with this amount. It allows you to set a limit and stay consistent with your unit size, so you don’t overspend. That’s how addiction starts.”
“We backtrack months in advance. We take historical data—throughout the year, this season, last season, home and away splits, the last 10 games—and adjust numbers based on what we find. That’s what we do.”
“In the college demographic, you definitely see a change. It’s more accessible than ever, especially with sports. You see commercials all the time for Fanatics, DraftKings. Nothing is ever guaranteed with sports. Anything can happen.”
“Having consistent unit size within your bets helps you stay disciplined. With $10 on every bet, you’re not really sweating too much. It’s also important to set a limit for yourself. Make sure ahead of time that you’re comfortable with what you’re risking. That’s the main thing behind it.”
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Two Syracuse students are taking a calculated approach to sports betting, turning what others consider to be a risky gamble into what the duo calls a sound investment with their startup, Blizzard Performance Investments.
Founded by longtime friends Josh Bosin and Javed Khan, Blizzard Performance utilizes historical data and advanced projection algorithms to make informed bets. Bosin and Khan, who both recently turned 21, are targeting a new demographic increasingly involved in internet sportsbooks, college students.
Bosin said that Blizzard’s strategy considers historical trends in performance, including home-and-away record, recent game history, and season-long data. The data feeds into proprietary software algorithms that develop formulas to guide betting decisions.
“Over time, we refine them based on results, so the model gets sharper,” Bosin explained.
Khan, who handles marketing and outreach, stressed the importance of responsible gaming practices among users. “We provide you a breakdown per unit. If you bet ten dollars on each pick for two months, here is your payout. Having limits lets you be consistent and does not let you overspend, since that is where the addiction starts,” Khan explained.
Sportsbooks entice new bettors with signup bonuses and promises of big payouts. For many 21-year-old college students, the losses pile up before they realize it, often leaving them hundreds of dollars in the red. Winning bets feel great, but chasing losses is where most first-time bettors lose money. Two hundred dollars in bets can be lost just as easily as they can be won. The way to remain consistent… unit sizing.
The pair believes their site is enticing not only because it offers potential winnings, but also because it provides order in an industry where choices are frequently made hastily. Bosin had emphasized the need to control the bankroll tightly, particularly in the case of young players.
“Number one thing, you always have to be smart through bankroll. You can’t lay down anything you can’t afford, and you need to place limits. At the end of the day, it’s all about discipline,” he believes.
The popularity of online sportsbooks and sign-up promotions has made betting more accessible than ever to college students.
“Frankly, sports betting is around all the time on campus. You’ll see FanDuel, DraftKings ads, and even live odds during games. It’s more convenient than ever, and those new-member promotions get people on immediately,” Bosin replied.
He added that while some students may be drawn by the excitement, Blizzard’s goal is to minimize impulsive or emotionally driven bets.
Khan noted that consistent unit sizing helps users avoid large losses and maintain control. “With sports, anything can happen. Having a consistent unit size keeps your money in your pocket. Honestly, with ten dollars on every bet, you’re not really sweating too much,” he said.
They noted the cultural shift towards sports betting among their peers since online platforms launched.
“I think a lot of people enjoy it for the entertainment value. For me personally, I enjoy it more for the monetary value aspect, too,” Bosin added.
He added that the model allows users to make informed decisions based on data instead of “what they think will happen,” which can lead to acting on impulse or biased decisions.
Finding an audience for their product at other universities proved easier than either Khan or Bosin expected.
“We’ve seen that even if you’re gambling like craps or blackjack, it always leads to sports also. At all these schools, there’s always a network to be made,” he said, pointing to partnerships with online poker clubs and other student networks at other campuses.
Blizzard Performance is looking to grow past the confines of Syracuse University and to other big schools around the country. They have already been approached by students at Indiana University and have meetings set up for the following weeks with other large public universities.
By emphasizing limits and responsible play, Bosin and Khan aim to present a more orderly and safer introduction to the world of sports gambling.